In a significant move to protect internet users' data and privacy, the Utah state legislature passed a new online privacy law on February 21, 2026. The legislation, known as the Utah Internet Privacy Act, aims to give consumers more control over their personal information and to hold online platforms and service providers accountable for how they collect, use, and share data.Under the new law, internet companies operating in Utah will be required to obtain explicit consent from users before collecting or storing their personal information. This includes data such as browsing history, location information, and online purchases. Companies will also be mandated to clearly disclose how they plan to use individuals' data and provide an option for users to opt out of data collection.Furthermore, the Utah Internet Privacy Act prohibits the selling or sharing of personal information without consent and mandates companies to implement security measures to safeguard users' data from unauthorized access or breaches. Violations of the law can result in significant fines and penalties for non-compliant companies.Lawmakers and privacy advocates have praised the new legislation as a much-needed step towards enhancing consumer privacy rights in the digital age. Senator Sarah Miller, one of the sponsors of the Utah Internet Privacy Act, stated, "With the increasing reliance on the internet for everyday tasks, it is crucial to protect individuals' privacy and ensure that their personal information is not exploited for commercial gain without their knowledge or consent."The Utah Internet Privacy Act is set to go into effect on January 1, 2027, giving companies a grace period to adjust their data collection and privacy practices to comply with the new regulations. It is expected that other states may follow suit and enact similar laws to better protect online users' data and privacy nationwide.